-Episode 8-
-33rd Heyday-
-warm, clear skies, negligible breeze-
-Immersion-see something crafted and I want it!-
-Eveline Chance at Seepage 1 in 8 (2, so okay)-
Scene #1:
After Eveline helps me with breakfast and my dress, I head downstairs to the office of the High Steward, Eveline and and two other servants carry my books down for me. On arriving, I smile at my brother, Bertran, “Dear Brother,” I begin, then notice the falconer’s glove on his desk. “Oh, is that for Lady Verna? Or a gift for your favorite sister?”
Q: Is it for his wife? Likely NO Q: For me? Likely YES
Bertran smirks as the servants leave the room, only Eveline, my brother and I remain, “Is that why you are visiting your dearest brother? Or has Mical taken my place in your heart? You seem to have sought his advice far more often than mine of late.”
“Please don’t be cross. I needed some very specific advice that he is better able to provide,” I deflect, sitting down beside Bertran. “He knows everyone who is anyone in Farhold.”
“And I know everyone our father pays, or who is indebted to us,” Bertran protests.
“You know them as accounts. Mical knows their hearts,” I suggest.
“Ah, yes. Knower of hearts. And what does he do with that knowledge?” Bertran smirks.
“Plays his little games, of course,” I shrug.
“And are you not one of his pieces?” Bertran raises an eyebrow.
-Insight 6-
“I don’t follow,” I focus on my brother.
Q: Does he tell me? NO
“Then I’ll let it be a surprise. Repayment for ignoring me these last few weeks,” he chuckles.
“That’s unfair!” I protest, playfully, “What do you know?”
Q: Does he tell me about Faust instead? NO
“Enough to hold my tongue. But yes, the glove is for you, dear sister. It was delayed. I had intended to give it to you as a birthday present, but caravans being what they are…please, try it on.”
I smile as I don the glove, “Is this…elven made?” I ask in astonishment.
“Yes, from Ernith Dun. Hence the delays,” he shrugs, “Does it please you?”
“Yes, indeed,” I show it to Eveline, who smiles, then I rise and embrace my brother, kissing his cheek, “Thank you, dear Bertran. I look forward to the next hunt!”
He nods, “As do I, dear sister, but tell me, why have you come to see me?”
Q: Is Bertran friendly with her? YES (Persuasion 16 or 21 due to friendly status…sell at 110% normally, but the fief only has 3800 gp per month discretionary)
Returning to my seat I introduce my servant, “Oh, yes. Well, this is my servant, Eveline, who I’m sure you’ve seen a few times already.” Bertran smiles and welcomes her politely. “And as you are undoubtedly aware, we have just returned from Guldall, with…all of these.” I gesture towards the saddlebags and begin pulling out books. “Each of these tomes is at least three thousand years old, most written in Elven script, and in very good condition considering their age. I believe that in Kiddimir, they might be worth upwards of 3000 crowns. I was hoping the house might offer me a finder’s fee, then keep the titles Father would like, and sell the others over time to make my efforts worthwhile.”
Bertran laughs, “Any other day! But dear sister, we are at war.” He drums his fingers on his desk, considering, “Six hundred crowns. For anyone else, I would have said three hundred, you know that right?”
“Ah, but I am your favorite sister, indeed!” I laugh, and kiss his cheek again. Then rising again, I add, “You know, Lord Warran plans to marry Lady Parnella, next year, on Ring Day. Would it be possible to hold the ceremony here, in Father’s Hall? It would be a kind gesture, and appreciated by Warran, Cavanaugh and Sotker alike.”
Q: Is the day free? YES
“You spend too much time with Mical,” Bertran observes as he marks the date on his calendar. “With father’s approval, it shall be done. Parnella, eh? Is what they say about her…” Eveline clears her throat.
“Parnella is a dear friend of mine, and I believe she and Lord Warran will…fit each other well.” I smile with a wink. My brother nods in understanding as he writes out a letter of credit for five hundred crowns, then pulls two full pouches of gold coins from the safe behind him. “Thank you, dear brother.” I excuse myself and Eveline and I return to my quarters where I place my new glove on the mantle.
–
“What happened to your brother?” Eveline asks once we are alone again.
“Boar got him when he and Severon were out hunting together. He is lucky to have only lost his leg,” I shudder at the memory. “Severon killed the boar though, and brought Bertran back to the tents, barely breathing. Father Tamoros, Mother Muriel’s predecessor, was there and helped heal him, but couldn’t save the leg.
“Oh. So…what do you plan to do with the money? That was more than you were expecting, yes?” Eveline asks, raising an eyebrow.
I nod, “Yes, it is. I’m heading down to the treasury to draw a bit more of it. We have some business in town,” I toss her one of the pouches, “And you should share my good fortune.”
Q: Is she shocked? YES
Her eyes widen, “This is near what you paid the others!”
I nod, “It matches Karta’s wage. But don’t expect such gifts regularly, I am not often flush with coin.”
“Of course not, my lady,” she responds with giddy joy as she helps me dress for town.
—
-Immersion, splashing sounds-
-Street encounter-the Doomsayer-(Generate the character, and not at all what I expected!)
Scene #2: E: Positive for Yseldra Faust: the Postponement of Anger (she’ll get some good news about Muriel today)
Having drawn out two more pouches of coin from the treasury, Eveline and I are walking through town towards the Devil’s Cup when we first hear her, “Abandon greed! Share your wealth! Tend to those less fortunate than yourselves! It is through compassion and sacrifice that we prove our devotion and forestall judgement!” Then there is a loud splash, and laughter, as the young prophetess is doused by a chamber pot, her white robes now stained and yellow, clinging to her as she gasps in horror.
Q: Is Eveline upset by the assault? YES
“How could someone do that to a priestess!” Eveline fumes as she makes a beeline towards the young cleric. I follow closely behind, holding back my friend.
The priestess looks up at us as we approach.
Q: Does she accuse us? NO Q: Does she know me? EXCEPTIONAL NO Intimidate 10- Q: Does he know me? NO
I chastise the man hanging out from the window above, with chamber pot in hand, “Have you no shame! Head to the temple and do penance, lest your insult to Freia be held against you in judgement!”
“Wait there woman, and I’ll fetch a second pot for you!” he laughs. Several bystanders laugh as well, but those who recognize me quiet and slip away instead.
I take the young priestess by the arm, “Get way from his wall. We should get you to the baths, or at least back to the temple.”
She pulls dung out of her hair, looking back up at the man in the window in disbelief, “The goddess is merciful! But you must change your ways to be forgiven!”
Q: Does she let us take her to the baths? YES Q: Does she thank us? NO
Eveline and I take her to the baths, but as we arrive, she looks at us, “I see from our clothing that you are…” her eyes fall on Eveline, and she blinks a couple of times, “well, you do well for yourselves, and that there is compassion in your hearts, but…” she doesn’t really know how to continue, so she shakes her head, abruptly turns and enters the baths.
Eveline puts her hand to her lips, “She thinks I’m a whore.”
I nod, “But you aren’t. And she’s covered in piss. Let’s go.”
—
Q: Is Karta there? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Upgrade? YES
We arrive at the Devil’s Cup, and not seeing Karta, I ask Henna where I might find her. Instead of answering, Henna looks Eveline up and down, “If you’re looking for work, I’ve got room for another girl. But if you aren’t working for me, you aren’t welcome here.”
Q: Does Eveline take offense NO
“I’m not looking for work,” Eveline objects.
-Deception 18-
“We were crossing the Lone Fields and she took narroot as a precaution against capture. It’s not what you or anyone else thinks,” I explain. Henna, embarrassed by her presumption, apologizes, then tells us that Karta mentioned wanting to see how the better half lives, and its likely at the White Mare. I thank her for the information and we head to the White Mare Inn instead.
-Encounter-Peasant- Q: Does he apologize? YES Q: Does he recognize me? Very Unlikely-NO
Crossing the great market square towards the White Mare, I am jostled in the crowd a man who smells of cut grass bumps against me. Instinctively, my hand goes to my purse, “Pardon, mistress. Wasn’t watching where I was going,” the farmer stammers.
I nod, “No harm, friend,” then carry on my way.
—
-Immersion-Anger-
Scene #3:
The White Mare Inn is a tall, timber frame building with freshly painted plaster walls, and actual glass windows. The rampant white horse painted on the sign is a familiar sight to the most prosperous visitors to our city, and foreign visitors and wealthy merchants frequent the place. Seeing Demitri standing at the door angers me.
Q: Does he speak to us? NO Q: Is Karta here? NO
As we approach, he furrows his brow and looks away. My eyes are like daggers as I walk past and through the door. Then I smile casually at the proprietor, “Alyss?” the woman behind the bar quickly bows towards me, “I am looking for a friend of mine who might be staying here. A woman by the name of Karta”
Alyss nods, “Yes, my lady. Karta mentioned that she had done some work for you as a bodyguard, and seemed quite pleased with herself.” she glances at Eveline, then back towards me, “she mentioned that you and your friend here are both court witches. I had heard rumor to that effect already”
“Yes, we practice elven magic. Would you please let Karta know that I came to call, and that I would like to extend our agreement with the same standby wage as before from today through the end of Great Harvest. Same mission terms should I call upon her, same mission completion bonus as before. She’ll understand.” I explain.
“I shall pass on the message, my lady,” Alyss nods. I thank her, and then we head outside, and I pull Eveline after me into a nearby alleyway.
-Medicine 14-
“Stand up straight,” I instruct her and I pull some rosepaste from my pouch, “I am tired of people talking down to you.” I begin applying the past to her face, bringing out the color in her cheeks, and toning down her lips, concealing, at least somewhat, the use of narroot. “Have you used rosepaste before?”
Q: Has she used Rosepaste? EXCEPTIONAL YES
She laughs, “Of course! But I didn’t know you had any or I might have asked for some,” she laughs, as I apply the lotion, “It tickles when you do it.”
“Well, I don’t have a mirror here, so you can’t very well do it yourself,” I point out.
“Let me do you now,” she suggests, and I stand still for her to paint my face as well, “Now it won’t seem odd that the servant wears makeup but her lady does not!”
“Very good. We are going to see Master Siward about a couple of good mules, and he’s randy enough even without encouragement,” I warn.
Eveline sighs, “Everyone is, it seems. Thank you again for the rosepaste.” I nod and hand her the rest of vial to keep, as I have more at home.
–No Encounter–
After stopping for refreshments at a fruit vendor’s stall, and for a bit of bread at a baker’s we make our way towards the stablemaster’s yard by the gate. Approaching the corral, I begin studying the animals within.
Q: Does an ordinary horse trainer approach? NO
Though there are stable hands and horse trainers at work, Master Siward notices me, and pushing aside the hand who was about to approach, walks over and bows with a flourish, “My Lady Faust,” he grins. Then casting hungry eyes towards Eveline, continues, “And who is this young filly?”
-Intimidate 7-
“She is my attendant, Eveline. Consider her words to fall from my lips, and any over familiarity shown to find my ears,” I smirk.
Master Siward laughs, “Very well, my lady. I trust there is a reason for your visit? Seeking a gift for your father I presume? Or perhaps that young stallion you were with the other day?”
I roll my eyes, “Charming and sophisticated as always, Master Siward. I am in need of a pair of mules. Good, reliable animals, obedient, and not skittish.”
“Ah, of course! And perhaps you’d like them to do tricks as well?” Master Siward jests.
“My apologies, Master Siward. I thought you might be a skilled horse trainer. Perhaps that is the one rumor about you that is entirely untrue,” I reply.
Q: Does he roll with it? YES
He laughs, “I think I will enjoy your father’s council meetings much more now that you are of age to attend. A clever wit livens mundane business. Come with me,” he leads me towards the stables and signals for several animals to be brought over.
-Animal handling 17- (Generate 6 mules)
Master Siward shows us several mules, boasting about their health, but I can see from how they approach some of them have the same problems I had with Buck and Post, but two of the animals seem promising. “Tell me about his one
Q: Is he honest? NO
“A very fine beast, and unusually quick. If you want to haul a pack quickly, this animal is a fine beast.” he brags.
“And this other?” I indicate the second mule that seems steady.
“A phenomenally healthy animal indeed. My lady has a good eye for flesh,” he nods.
“Horseflesh, you mean,” I correct him. “What do you want for the pair?” I ask examining their teeth and hooves.
Q: A fair deal? YES
“Twenty crowns,” he suggests.
-Persuasion 15-
“Fifteen, I’ll give you. Thirty five with bit, bridle, pack saddle and saddlebags each” I immediately counter.
“As you wish, my lady,” Master Siward bows.
“Do they have names?” I ask.
Q: Do they have names? EXCEPTIONAL NO
“Of course not. They’re mules. Who names mules?” Siward rolls his eyes.
“I do,” I reply, taking the two animals from him after they have been bridled and saddled. “Thank you good sir.” I smile, handing him the coin, and giving the reins of one of the animals to Eveline. “Back home,” I suggest and she agrees.
Along the way back to the keep, I buy some more sunberry salve, then purchase a small lock box and padlock, a shovel, a bucket and some other useful equipment for long journeys through hazardous wilds.
-encounter-Rumor monger-
Passing down the street, we see an old woman leaning on her cane, “Well, well, well…if it isn’t the baron’s clever girl and her witchy friend,” she smacks her toothless gums, “There are many whispers about the two of you, dear child.” She grins.
“There are always rumors and whispers from those who’d rather talk than act,” I retort, contemptuously.
-Insight 12-
“There’s the temper that angers priests,” the old woman cackles. Then she looks Eveline up and down. “Hmph, not as whorish looking as I’d been told, but rosebalm and a modest dress don’t hide one’s nature.”
Q: Is Eveline angered by Yeneth? YES
“What do you want, woman?” I ask.
Eveline blurts out, “To lose the last few teeth she has in her black tongued mouth!”
“Oh, oh! I see! That is why you flock together! A pair of hot tempered witches I see,” she cackles. “Mother Muriel has a lash for thee, and thee,” she jabs her finger at each of us in turn.
The old woman holds her hand out, palm up, “Word also has it that you are a kind heart, to those who yearn for bread, or in my case, a bit of soft porridge to fill her belly.”
I sneer, but pull out a gold crown nonetheless, “You’ve done nothing to deserve this, but insult my friend and I.”
Q: Does she offer value? EXCEPTIONAL NO
The old women sneers as she snatches the coin away, “But perhaps the goddess will reward your generosity, even if Mother Muriel damns you.”
I roll my eyes in disgust and we return to the keep, leading the mules to the stables.
—
-Immersion-Something shiny, glinting on the ground-
Q: Silver coin? likely-NO Q: jewelry? very unlikely-YES E: Setback to ‘Goblin uprising in Windhold’: the Mistrust of a Stalemate (Carved out 3 hexes of hill country as Goblin territory, the Redeemers will not purge, but the goblins will not return to the church’s governance)
Scene #4:
Inside the walls of the keep, I spot a copper bracelet on the ground with a pink stone inlaid. I carry it with me as Eveline and I take the mules to the corral while two servants carry our newly purchased supplies up to my room. Reaching the corral, I ask for Milliam, the house marshal.
Q: Do I recognize the bracelet? YES E: Remote Event: the Neglect of Fame (Let’s assume that Lawndra learns that it was the baron’s daughter that helped her this morning, and that the baron’s daughter is rumored to be a witch) Q: A servants? YES (roll d6 for maids)
I hold the bracelet out to Eveline, “This is Cicely’s, please take it to her real quick. She is likely in the kitchen helping with dinner” Eveline nods and takes off.
“Master Milliam,” I call to the marshal as I lead my mules over to him. “I just purchased these two animals for myself. I need them branded as mine and well tended. Put them through their paces and tell me whether I chose wisely or should replace them. Also, I’ll need a groom for them, paid from my own purse. They will lodge with your men, but must be willing to travel with me, often through wild lands with very little escort. Please keep your eyes our for a suitable person. Perhaps some farm lad who comes by seeking work in the household, or perhaps one who is already on staff.”
Q: Does he have someone on staff? NO
“I’ve got none I’m willing to spare at the moment. You don’t need a man accustomed to tending a dozen animals at once, in safety. You need a gutsy lad who can also handle animals. I’ll keep an eye out,” Milliam replies. “So…rumor has it you can summon fire to your hands. Care to show me?”
“Not near the corral!” I laugh, and he face palms, knowing better himself. “But I will show you this,” I offer, and extend my hand towards a training whip, then call it over into my own hand. “You like that trick?”
Q: Is he impressed? NO (to hit…5)
“Well, it’s not fire. I could have just walked over and picked it up myself,” he scoffs. I sigh, and attempt to throw the whip on top of the roof of the nearby stable, but if falls into the yard instead. “What was that for?” he asks, confused.
I laugh and shake my head, “Apparently, I can’t throw a whip.” I focus again and let my mystic hand carry it up and drop it on the roof, “Now, walk over and pick it up!” I scoff, turning to walk away as he protests my prank.
–
I return to my room and collect the three books I held aside for Master Krenal. One of them, the one written in the divine tongue, I then put back on my shelf next to the other books I am keeping for myself. I may have use of that to get close to Mother Muriel if I choose to follow Cicely’s advice. I take the others, written in the demonic tongue, upstairs to Krenal’s study.
Q: Is Krenal home? NO
I knock on the door several times, but hear no response. So I return the books to my own shelves, and begin to read until dinner.
—
Q: Anything interesting at dinner? YES (sense, loss of balance)
Scene #5 (Positive Alteration):
Dinner is much quieter than usual with two of my brother’s and a sister in law away. Additionally, we have no houseguests, and at the lower table, half of my father’s bodyguard are missing, having gone with Mical to the north. Then I notice Esdras enter the hall, passing a note to my father. Reading the note, he chuckles with that malevolent grin he sometimes gets. In looking to see why he was amused, Eveline lets the tray in her hand lose balance as she was in the middle of passing my cup, and wine spills all over my place and dress much to the amusement of my sisters-in-law.
My mother, Meriel, looks up from the note that father had just handed to her, and asks, “Are you alright dear?”
“Yes, of course. It was a simple accident,” I glance up at a sheepish looking Eveline.
“Your servant isn’t much a servant yet, is she?” Faust chortles, as Verna and Erena join in, echoing that sentiment.
Q: Does she stand and take it? EXCEPTIONAL NO
Embarrassed, Eveline turns and runs out of the room, hands over her face. I sigh, “She’s my friend. Not merely a servant,” I stand and follow her.
Q: Has she retreated to the servant’s quarters? NO Q: Gardens? YES
I start to head towards the servant’s quarters, but Cicely, wearing her bracelet once more, points me to another door, “Went outside,” she says.
I look around for a bit, and find Eveline in the garden, arms folded across her chest, sobbing.
I put my hand on her shoulder, “It’s alright. It’s only a dress. And you know I can clean it with a word.”
Q: Does she pull away? NO Q: Does she want to leave? NO
“I don’t really think I belong here,” she says at last.
“You do. It just takes awhile to grow into a new place. I never carry trays, but if you take something off one side of a tray and not the other, it must be hard to keep it balanced, I would think,” I shrug.
Q: Is it the bigger issue? YES
“It’s not just that. It’s…it’s the curse. Or…being magic if what you say is true. I can feel it welling up inside me. And it will get stronger each day, and things will start to happen. Strange things. Unless I wake up hungover. Or wake up next to some strange man I don’t care about. Or I scourge myself. It just…builds until it bursts like a dam in a storm. And then…they won’t be laughing. They’ll be sending me back to Mother Muriel or hanging me from the gallows!”
“I won’t let them,” I put my hand to her lips to silence her, looking he in the eyes, “You are oath bound to me. My family will protect you. But I need to learn more about this phenomena. Then we can figure out how to control it. Come back inside.”
Q: Will she return to the hall? YES (1-3 faust, 4-6 bertran)
She nods, and follows me back to the hall in silence, resuming her duty of serving me. None in my family mock her any further, the moment having passed and realizing that I will not stand for it. Suddenly, Bertran speaks, “As father was about to announce before dinner was interrupted, Mother Muriel will soon be replaced. Two birds, a fast rider and a caravan letter were dispatched to Kiddimir this morning. Two birds have already arrived with a response. The temple in Kiddimir will have a replacement ready to set off by the time one of the formal requests arrives.”
Faust smirks, “That woman has been a nuisance since she arrived five years ago. Father Tamoros. He was a good one. Kept to himself. Offered up his prayers, ran the school and the hospital, conducted funerals and weddings, and let people live their lives. That’s the kind of bishop I like!”
I consider this, then reply, “At least Mother Muriel cares for people’s souls. She’s wrong in her thinking, but at least she is trying to do good, as misguided as she is.”
“I thought you hated her?” Erena asks in shock.
I consider for a moment before replying. “I don’t hate her. She’s just…wrong. And too arrogant to see it. Sending her away is for the best. And it will prevent trouble next time I go to worship. Better she return to Gieldreth or someplace like that where her fervor and close mindedness will bother us no longer”
-Discussion-Allies- Q: Is the fight against the orcs going well? EXCEPTIONAL YES
“Erena, I am sure you will be pleased to learn that your husband’s campaign is going well. Between Alestor’s men, supported by Grath’s, Pond’s and Mical’s companies, the orc threat is being extinguished rather quickly it seems. I trust that Alestor will remember this when any of us are in need.” Faust gloats.
Verna scoffs, “He’ll remember us whenever there is a great feast, at the very least.”
“True enough,” laughs Faust. Meriel rolls her eyes and pats father’s hand. “What of your comrades at arms that took you to Gildall a second time against my orders,” he winks.
“Karta is a steady fighter, but a hard woman to manage,” looking towards Verna, I add, “but your brother gave me some good advice in that regard. Josia and Henrie, the swords I hired, were solid enough. Josia has sworn to Varnath for a year. Henrie returned to Farhold.” Then turning to Sonders, “If you need a man, he is steady, and strong as an ox. He might like the regular wage, even if he seems a little long in the tooth for a recruit.”
Q: Will Sonders hire him? NO
Sonders shakes his head, “I prefer we drill men from the beginning. Easier than untraining poor doctrine and bad habits.”
I nod, “I understand.”
The rest of the meal passes uneventfully, and soon I retire to my quarters, asking Eveline to come with me so we can properly clean my dress and I can study the magic within her, to see how it ebbs and flows in intensity.
—
Scene #6:
Returning to my room, I change into my nightgown, and quickly remove the stains from my dress whil Eveline pours two cups of wine from a caraffe we brought from the hall. Turning to Eveline as aI pick up my spell book, I begin reciting my divination spell to see her aura once more.
(Detect Magic and Investigation 15)
“Hmmm…the aura is more powerful than before,” I observe.
Eveline nods, “Last time, I had used the strongest magic I possessed the day before, against the orcs. I haven’t used any magic lately. Nor have I drunk myself to oblivion since the night before last. I feel the power growing within me.”
“What is that like?” I ask, intrigued.
“It’s like…” she leans in and whispers in my ear.
I gasp, blush, then giggle, “Alright, I…lack that frame of reference, but I’ll take your word for it.”
“Really?” she asks confused, “You’ve never?”
“Unmarried daughter or a powerful noble house? No. Discretion increases my value as a bargaining chip,” I reply.
Q: Does she challenge me? YES
“And you are comfortable being bargaining chip?” Eveline asks, furrowing her brow.
“It is what I am, for now,” I shrug. “And you, are magic. But you’ve never studied, yet, you know the words to use and the gestures to make.”
“No. I don’t. Not really. They just…spill out of my. I know what I wish to do, and words spill from my lips and my hand moves of its own accord. It’s like they face you make and the shudder afterwards…which you don’t understand,” Eveline tries to explain.
I sigh, “Alright, so it’s beyond your control, like having to close your eyes when you sneeze.”
“Yes! Yes! Let’s use that,” she laughs. “It’s like a sneeze growing inside you. You feel it coming, and you can only fight it for so long, and then it releases, and the best you can do is not sneeze in somebody’s face, but even then, sometimes you can’t turn in time.”
“A sneeze? A magical sneeze,” I grin. “I can understand that. And right now, it seems closer than last time I checked?”
“Yes, but I might be able to hold for a day or two longer. Or I might not,” Eveline shrugs.
“But sex, or drinking, or the lash…that, releases the sneeze?” I raise an eyebrow.
“It’s more like, when you’re in bed and your lover accidentally tugs your hair or bangs your head against the headboard too hard and all of the sudden, the mood breaks, and you can’t recapture it. It just…fizzles,” Eveline shrugs.
“Okay. Something to keep in mind for my wedding night, I guess,” I nod, “So it doesn’t relieve the power, it vents it into nothingness, breaking the build up?”
Eveline nods, “Yes. That’s it.”
“Alright. And the power grows within you each day, building up, until there is a release? Like the plants springing up behind you. What about when you wield a spell deliberately? The veins in your skin turned red,” I press
“Different things happen. Sometimes something little like that. Sometimes dangerous things,” Eveline explains, “but only with the more powerful magic. The little things, like you cleaning your dress. I can do that without causing trouble, but it doesn’t release anything. A powerful spell sometimes does.”
I nod. “Alright. You will stay with me tonight. There’s room in my bed. I’ll get up periodically through the night and examine you, to see how the magic grows within. How long until you have a release without interference?” I ask.
“The longest I’ve ever gone has been a week,” she thinks back, “Usually it’s only three or four days.”
“Then the power fades and resets?” I press
“I think so,” Eveline replies.
“So, you are like a magic wand. They build power over the course of the day, and then can be expended, but the power recharges again over time,” I muse.
“If you say so,” Eveline shrugs.
“We’ll talk to Krenal tomorrow. Let’s get ready for bed,” I suggest, and soon we are dousing the lamp and lying beneath warm blankets.
Q: pillow talk? YES
“This is a nice bed,” Eveline observes.
“Yes. I never realized it until I had to stay in an inn room at Saddler’s Rest, on my way to my grandfather’s court. Not nearly so comfortable,” I yawn.
“I imagine that must be the case,” she agrees as she slowly drifts off to sleep. Dreams soon claim me as well.
-34th Heyday-
-hot, clear skies, gentle wind-
-Immersion-6th sense, Hyper awareness-
-Eveline Chance at Seepage 2 in 8 (rolled 7, so fine)-
Scene #7:
The next morning, I wake with Eveline pressed up beside me, her curly blond hair in my mouth, her breah warm against my cheek, her warm body against mine, and an arm draped across my chest. I carefully try to roll her off of me. “Oh, sorry, my lady,” Eveline stammers, waking embarrassed. “I didn’t mean to roll on top of you.”
“It’s alright,” I reply, quickly climbing out of bed, rubbing my arm where she had been pressed up against me. Then I pick up my spellbook, “Hold still,” I begin reciting my divinations once more.
Studying her aura, I take a deep breath, “You are right. Your aura has nearly doubled in power. The arcane energy within you is increasing. Let’s dress. We need to speak with Krenal. Then perhaps…perhaps there is something in the library about similar cases. Other living wands.”
Q: Is she willing to postpone? YES
“It would be wiser for me to drink two bottles of wine instead, but we’ll go see Krenal, if you think he can help,” Eveline agrees. Soon we are dressed, eat breakfast, and then head upstairs.
—
Q: Is Krenal home? YES
We knock on the door to Krenal’s study, and the old wizard opens it, “Ah, Maeve’s pupil has returned, and with her witch of a friend, I see. Word travels fast,” he notes.
“This is Eveline, and I would say she is more like a wand than a witch. Power seems to grow within her unless she vents it through…physical exertion or the use of the most powerful magic she can employ.”
“I see,” he picks up his spellbook and begins chanting the same divination spell I had already used. Soon, he sees what I have seen.
“The power today is twice what it was last night. She believes she can perhaps go three or four days before venting, nor more than seven,” I add.
“And, how did yo come by this…power? How are you able to wield magic,” Krenal asks Eveline.
Q: Will Eveline explain? NO
Eveline clams up, embarrassed to explain, so I speak on her behalf, “The power builds up within her, like a sneeze. Then suddenly, it releases. If she wills a spell, the words spill form her involuntarily. Her fingers move of their own accord, and the magic is released. She knows not how, but she is not bound by a pact. Mentioned no voices or whispers. It just comes.”
-Krenal Arcana 22-
“Ah! She is what the Kardashev call a sorcerer. Magic comes naturally to her. It is born or awakened within her, and she can learn to guide it, but studying books will not enlighten her or broaden her knowledge, nor her innate power. She would be learning as a mere apprentice like anyone else, but attuning herself to the power within her will allow her to grow much faster. By embracing it, instead of fighting it. Turn around young woman,” Krenal instructs, and runs his hands along her neck and shoulders, “I do not see the scales. Would you mind disrobing?” he asks.
“Why should she disrobe?” I demand.
“She has dragon blood, yes? There should be visible signs of it, that grow in intensity over time. They are likely very faint right now,” Krenal explains.
Q: Does she start to? EXCEPTIONAL NO
Eveline covers herself more fully, “I don’t have anything like that. My skin is normal.”
“Interesting,” Krenal muses. “Then this is a different manifestation, but perhaps if you talk to Ivo, he can tell you more.”
“Who is Ivo?” I ask.
Q: Are the quickblades around? YES
“A Quickblade. His magic is inborn, but the back of his neck is covered with red scales, like that of a young dragon. He might be able to tell you how to wield your power, though I’ve never heard of it building up within him, or venting uncontrollably, like a sneeze,” Krenal postulates.
“Well, thank you. Perhaps there is more in your books? Or in the library? About safe ways to vent or control her power, besides using a scourge or other more dramatic tools?” I suggest.
“I will do some research. Your friend is an interesting puzzle so be sure,” Krenal agrees.
“Speaking of puzzles, I have found two books that I cannot read. The same tongue as that of the catalog you took from me earlier,” I hand over the two abbysal tomes I found at Gildall.
His eyes widen, as does his smile, “Intriguing texts,” he agrees as he opens the first one. “I may keep these?”
“I would prefer it. Though, perhaps?” I raise an eyebrow.
Q: Does he offer a gift in exchange? EXCEPTIONAL NO
“Perhaps it is best that I keep these and you refrain from looking at such texts,” he smirks.
“I was hoping for a trade,” I explain.
“I am sure you were. And I was hoping you wouldn’t steal potions from my study,” he raises an eyebrow.
“That was weeks ago, and I already gave you another book in payment,” I protest.
“And I will be researching your friend’s condition, and a possible solution to it. Now, it you will excuse me, I can read much more quickly, in silence!” he grins, and shoves us out of his study.
“Is he always like that?” Eveline asks.
“Only when he’s excited,” I reply. “So, I guess, go see of Beth has work for you. Otherwise, feel free to enjoy your day. I am going to the library. I have research to do as well.”
Q: Does she offer to hang out? NO
“Thank you, my lady,” Eveline offers a light bow. I grin as I nod in return. Then I go to my room to scribe a new spell into my book before retiring to the library for the rest of the day.
Taking great care, I learn spells to summon and bind a familiar to me, and how to double my foot speed, by dinner time, I am ready for a break.
Q: Is dinner uneventful? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Mical? YES
Scene #8: E: Progress on ‘Aborath is angry at Faust and the Church’: the Adjournment of Extravagance
As we settle in for dinner, there is a general commotion outside. Looking out the windows, I see the company of men we dispatched to Westhold returning home. Though the mood seems to be rather jubilant, though I notice two large wagons with corpses wrapped in a stack. It appears that nearly a third of the force was lost. I frown.
“Is Mical there?” Erena asks eagerly, crowding me away from the arrow slit to look out, “Yes! There he is!” the beams excitedly.
As she races down out of the hall to meet him, I look back out the window, as my mother steps alongside me. Father is at another one, Captain Sonders beside him. Both men furrow their brows, seeing what I see.
Soon, Mical is in the great hall, the household knights that travelled with him follow behind, each carries an orc tribal totem, “I have returned! Victorious!” Mical boasts.
“And the butcher’s bill?” Faust demands, “I barely two thirds of the men I sent have returned. What happened?”
Q: Does Mical recover quickly? NO
“Uh, um….what?” Mical stammers, unusually flatfooted for a man who lives by knowing what to day and when.
“How many dead?” Sonders clarifies.
-Mical persuasion 18-
“Twenty nine,” Mical replies, casting his eyes down. Then meeting father’s gaze, “But we destroyed the enemy. Eleven orc warbands, destroyed in their entirety. Warriors slain, women captured, cattle butchered, seized or scattered. Westhold will not be threatened again for many seasons.” He affirms with resolve.
“Tell me,” Faust nods, returning to his seat, and signaling the rest of us to do the same.
Mical beams, “The orcs had ravaged three villages and miles of countryside, before we were able to reach Westhold. Alestor had mustered his levies and men, and was preparing to face them, but the orcs wouldn’t give battle. He sent word to Garth and I to sweep behind them up along the edge of the Lonefield, behind the ravaged villages, and we caught their camps, scarcely protected, scattering their livestock, capturing large numbers of women and children, liberating those their warriors had taken captive. Then the orc warriors, learning of this, fell back to recover what had been lost. They hit Garth’s camp and mine, but we were ready to hold against their nearly overwhelming odds. And hold we did! Giving Alestor and Pond’s forces the opportunity to hit them from behind. The numbers then were in our favor. No orc warrior survived, I swear to it, father!”
Faust strokes his chin. Sonder’s, standing behind, whispers in his ear. My father nods, then he fixes his eyes on Mical’s. “I commend your courage son. And the success of your battle. But you were…played. Our men, and Garth’s, bore the brunt of Alestor’s fight. Had he not arrived in time, would your force not have been entirely destroyed? For his lands. Not for ours. You should have destroyed or scattered the orc camps, then pulled away, slaughtering any hostages that slowed you, but not waiting for a rescue attempt. Then let Alestor’s force push forward, while the orc warriors were in grief, confused, and hungry. Let him push them back into the wilds without their plunder, herds and women. They will raid a few more times, but cannot long survive hungry. They would have had to break into foraging bands without their herds, or scatter to cover them. Then small patrols could hunt them down…and punish, punish, punish! It is good the enemy was destroyed, but Alestor’s men, or a gang of mercenaries, should have played bait. Not my son. Not our house’s troops. Not for Alestor.” Then Faust raises his cup, “To my son’s victorious return, and to lessons learned at a young age, in a distant fight, not on our soil.” We all raise our cups in toast, then father says, “You will be helping Sonder recruit and drill the replacements, so you understand how hard it is to replace a good man on the line.”
Q: Does he take the education well? YES
“Yes father. Thank you, for the honor, and the education. I shall learn from this, and do better in the next campaign,” Mical pledges.
“See to it you do. It may be our lands at stake in the future,” Faust grins with a shrug. “Let us eat.”
Halfway through dinner, the door of our hall flings open, and Aboreth stands before us, and apologetic Beth and two sergeants follow behind, “A word, my lord!” Aboreth demands.
“I’m sorry,” Beth stammers, “he wouldn’t take no for an answer, and I know he is your man, so I wouldn’t allow the guards to draw steel.”
Faust nods at her, “It is alright. I will deal with him. Come along, old friend.”
Q: Will Aboreth come? NO
“No. Your house must hear my grievance. My friend, your sword, died for no reason at the hands of your bishop, while serving your command to discover the heart of the cult. Then your son returns home, with three dozen dead. The lives of your men have no meaning to you! And your house will fall when your subjects realize this!” Aboreth fumes.
-Intimidation 21-
“Mother Muriel acted beyond her orders. Her removal is imminent. Either by letter from the church, or hanging from my gallows. I am allowing the church a fortnight before the axe falls. As for the battle losses. These men fought overwhelming odds, bravely, boldly, and they will not be forgotten. Nor were they left under foreign soil, but brought home to their kin so their family knows their fate, their honor, and can remember them. I am sorry about Argus. Truly. He was a reliable man. I hope that I can still rely upon you. You have always spoken your heart. I respect that. But do not pretend I do not care about my men or my tenants, and do not insult my house. Your grievance with me, and not with my children. Understand!” Faust explains with a firmness in his voice he rarely shows.
Q: Will Aboreth remain? NO
Aborath takes a deep breath, then sighs, and bows. “Forgive me, my lord. In grief, my judgement fails me. But…I cannot remain here. Thank you, for bringing justice against Mother Muriel. But this sword is broken. Yara and I will depart.”
Faust nods, “I understand, old friend. Should our roads cross again, I hope it will be under a brighter son,” then turning to Bertan, “See to it our old friends have coin and fresh horses for the journey should they wish. We owe them more than that, but some debts can never be truly repaid.”
“Yes father,” Bertran rises, grabbing his crutches. Verna walks out with him and Aborath and the wizard’s two cats to help settle the accounts.
The rest of dinner is exceedingly boring in comparison. On retiring to my quarters with Eveline once more, I again, check her aura, which has grown slightly more potent, then we lie down in bed together again, and quickly drift to sleep.
-35th Heyday-
-Pleasant, Clear Skies, steady breeze-
-Immersion-Evelin shrugs at me-
-Eveline Chance at Seepage 3 in 8 (rolled 5 safe)-
Scene #9:
The morning light streams throught the window, catching dust particles in the air as I sit up. “How do you feel this morning?” I ask as Eveline sits up beside me. She shrugs, then begins pulling hair out of her face will I retrieve my spellbook and check her aura again. Stronger, but not having doubled from the day before. “Your power grows incrementally, not exponentially.”
Eveline smirks, “Well, I suppose that’s something anyway.”
“I am going to do some research, please, see Beth after breakfast. We’ll talk this evening,” I suggest.
Q: Does she ask to help with the research? NO
“Thank you,” she replies, “Perhaps I should go visit Karta and see if she accepts your offer, since she hasn’t responded yet.”
I nod agreement, “Please do so. Take thirty six crown from my strong box in case she says yes,” I add, and Eveline does so.
-Krenel’s research 14, Yseldra’s 10, no breakthrough-
After spending much of the day in the library, I retreat the garden, and attempt my new conjure and binding spell, “Bring me a faithful servant,” I intone in the elvish tongue, “and bind it to me body and soul” Then I sit, and wait. As dusk falls, I join the family inside for dinner.
Q: Does Karta accept the commission? EXCEPTIONAL NO Q: Anything happen at dinner? YES
-Immersion, something decorated in the distance-
-Discussion, allies-
Scene #10: Q: Was the response a yes? NO
At dinner, Eveline seems seems troubled as she serves me. And Mical is folding and unfolding a letter at his plate, pursing his lips, considering something.
Mical frowns, and tosses the letter aside. Erana picks it up, reads it and glares at him,”Bastard.” She mutters, drawing attention. Her husband scoffs, and yanks the letter back. Faust signals a servant to bring over.
On reading it, he scowls, “It is fortunate Prince Jon declined your offer. I told you Yseldra will choose who and when she marries. It is not for you or your older brother to decide. Not while I live anyway,” he adds at the end.
“You pig,” I scowl at Mical. Bertan starts to laugh. “You knew?”
He nods, “Yes, and if you hadn’t been so eager for his advice over mine, I’d have warned you,” he laughs.
Verna nearly shoves her husband off of his seat, “That’s not the sort of thing you keep from your sister. Or your wife. I could have been teasing her all week!”
I laugh, “Thanks, Verna.”
Q: Has Alestor offered a gift in repayment? NO
“Speaking of allies, did Lord Alestor speak to you of any recompense for our lost men?” Faust asks his son. Mical shakes his head. Faust nods, “I think that perhaps, Bertran, you might send a letter to our dear neighbor asking a year’s wages for each man lost, for the benefit of their kin. That seems an appropriate gesture from a man who is likely lying drunk between his mistress and a whore right now, while widows grieve their loss.” Bertran agrees to see to it a message is sent first thing in the morning.
Q: Has Karta found a better offer? NO Q: Forming her own company? YES
After dinner, Eveline informs me, “Karta has declined your invitation to remain in service. She…umm…she’s formed her own company and has been hired out by one of your father’s vassals to deal with some brigands that don’t even fear the baron.”
I nod, “Well. That’s unfortunate. I hope they are very successful, and that they take service under my father after they have proven themselves.” I purse my lips. Then I check her aura once more, “It continues to strengthen”
Q: Is she willing to sleep on it another night? NO
Eveline nods, “I feel it growing dangerous. I should drink tonight. It is safer that way.”
“I need to see how powerful it gets before it releases, please, one more night,” I ask.
-Persuasion 21-
“One more night,” she agrees, then we climb into bed.
-1st Great Harvest-
-Hot, clear skies, negligible wind –
-smell of rotten meat-
-Eveline Chance at Seepage 4 in 8 (1-caster’s eyes seem to dance with orange flame, 4 hours)-
Scene #11: E: Negative for Court: the Attainment of Pleasures (meat delivered for a celebratory feast is rancid)
I am startled awake as Eveline bolts upright. “What’s wrong?” I ask. Eveline turns towards me, her eyes now orange, dancing like flame.
She trembles slightly, “It’s passing through me, now,” she whispers, “but gently, I think” she examines her arms and legs. “I feel very warm. Better than the cold,” she confessses, throwing the blankets aside, then pulling off her gown. “Very warm.”
I look away from her nakedness, open my book, and begin reciting my divination. Then looking at her once more, I see that the magic within her is slowly fading, very slowly. “How long will this condition last?” I ask.
“At least an hour, sometimes until dusk. Never past nightfall,” Eveline replies. “I need to cool down.”
“You need to put on a gown, and I’ll have servants bring in a tub,” I urge.
Q: She okay with that? YES E: Progress on ‘Faust has sent for Muriel’s replacement’: an Abuse of Travel (sounds like a forced march) Q: Does Krenal come? EXCEPTIONAL YES
Eveline nods, gratefully, and pulls her light shift back over herself. I step out of my room and call for a maid to bring in a bathing tub, and water, cool, not boiled. And also to send for Krenal. Krenal arrives even before the tub arrives.
“Let me see our living wand,” Krenal insists. “Your eyes? Do the always become like this?”
“Like what?” Eveline blinks, holding her fingers up to her face.
“You don’t know? It looks like there is a fire burning inside you,” I observe. “And the magic continues to slowly fade.”
Eveline goes to my mirror and gasps, “It feels like there is fire within me, but now…now I see why people flee from me sometimes.”
-Yseldra arcana 8, Krenal arcana 21- Q: Does she resist? Very Unlikely NO
“I want you to think back on every time this has happened before. Sink far into your earliest memories. The most terrifying instances, and the first one,” Krenal instructs Eveline, then begins chanting and splays his fingers across her forehead. “Very warm.” He nods for me to touch her as well.
As he sinks into her thoughts, his brow furrows then takes on a look of surprise. I do not know what he sees, but realize, he has learned something. In the background, I hear a servant bring in the tub and another pour the first two buckets of water into it.
Eventauly, Krenal steps back, holding a copper coin in his hand. “The coin should have vanished,” he observes, “But your memories. This could have gone very badly. You were right to be wary. And Yseldra,” he turns to me, “If you wish to pursue such examinations again in the future, please do so away from the keep. Let Eveline vent her magic however she chooses. Otherwise, nasty things could happen.” Krenal then removes his pouch of totems, trinkets and baubles that all wizards carry, and sets it aside. “After the servants have prepared a tub to cool you down, I wish to try something else. But I do not wish any of them to inadvertently be injured.”
Eveline’s eyes widen, “What do you intend?”
Krenal shrugs, “When you wield magic, words fall from your lips, and you hand makes shapes, but…many spells require some tangible offering or focus to take effect, like a copper penny for someone’s thoughts. Yet, you do not seem to, and the penny I traded for entry into your mind remained in my hand. I wonder what other tricks you might possess.”
Q: Will she allow another experiment? NO
“No,” she shakes her head, “I don’t wish you to do anything that might harm another, just to explore this curse.”
-Persuasion 12-
“Then allow Yseldra to cast something that normally requires a physical focus,” Krenal instructs.
Eveline glances up at me, “No harm?” I agree, then she nods.
My tools already across the room, I take her hand in mind, and recited a protective spell I learned, infusing my body with the lost vigor of the dead. My skin pales slightly, but I know the spell has worked, even though it should not have without a vial of alcohol to fuel it. “It worked. So…some wizards use crystal orbs or wands instead of the tools we use. Does that mean?”
“Your comparison to a wand was very apt. Eveline is a living wand, but her power must be discharged each night, lest it build up and cause herself or people around her considerable harm. It seems that Mother Muriel, for all of her cruelty, might have saved this girl’s life. Now, she is your ward. Your vassal, and your duty to protect.” Krenal chuckles. “I suspect there is magic that could diffuse this venting altogether, in the same way that a spell hurled at a battlemage can be unwoven before it connects. Sadly, such magic is beyond me at this time. Perhaps you can learn the counters and craft a ward upon her to keep her always safe.”
I recite my divination once more, and see that the magic within Eveline has drained by nearly a quarter. Krenal and the servants depart, and she slips into the tub, letting the cool water ease her discomfort. I go downstairs to collect some bread and fruit for us to enjoy while we wait.
In the kitchen, I catch a whiff of foul air, “What is that?” I demand.
One of the cooks replies, “The beef we ordered for tonight’s feast in honor of the baron’s men is all rotten. Bertran has gone to have a word with the butcher’s guild about whether insulting our house is the best business decision.”
“It isn’t,” I laugh, then carry the food I’ve collected upstairs to my friend.
-Investigation 14-no further information discovered-Krenal’s arcana and insight revealed a “Counterspell” tatoo or ward could prevent mundane daily seepage-
We spend the morning talking. She rests in the tub, her skin warm, but cooler now than before. Her eyes still dance with flames. I casually look through books of arcane lore, continuing to search for solutions, but I am now confident of a cure, knowing of a spell that should work, even if it is beyond my abilities for now.
By midday, the magic within Eveline has faded to normal levels, nearly indistinguishable from any other mortal soul. She dresses, and reports to Beth for her duties, while I head out to the garden where I had attempted to summon a companion.
Q: Has it arrived? NO
-Immersion, NPC makes an obscene gesture towards me- (generate cat, using dog personalities and rejecting non-cat results)
Scene #12:
I sit in the garden, and wait. Then wait longer. I pull an apple from my pouch, slowly slicing and eating pieces from it as I continue to wait. Then I notice movement. A little orange cat with a dead mouse between its teeth. The animal fixes its gaze on me, drops its prey, and then begins licking itself between its legs.
“As good as that might make you feel, it isn’t very polite,” I chastise the animal.
Q: Does it offer up the mouse? NO
It stops, and fixes me with its yellow eyes. Then begins eating the mouse, while I eat my apple. “I appreciate you not offering to share,” I comment. “I’ve not seen you in the garden before. Do you often hunt here?”
The cat pauses, and regards me with that contemptuous look all cats possess. Finishing my apple, I continue to watch the animal eat. Then staring at it, I suddenly feel as though my belly is full and the sun is warm on my fur, and I am being watched…and I see giant woman with red hair sitting across a garden from me, staring at me, watching me in my triumph.
I shake my head, and am once more watching the cat, confused, shaking its head as well. I hold out my hand to it. The beast approaches, and rubs up against my fingers. There is a spark between us and the cat hisses at me! I hiss back! Then hold out my hand once more, and it lets me stroke its fur. “Stalker? Will that be your name?” I feel its chest rumble with a long purr, and the bond between us is sealed.
Q: Does it come along the second time? NO
I scoop the cat up in my arms, and it scratches me and leaps away, turns, and hisses! I hiss back! The cat regards me with curious defiance. I kneel down, and hold out my arms. It holds its head high, and turns its back towards me in contempt.
-Animal handling 12-Q: Does it fall for the ploy? NO
I roll my eyes, turn my back towards it, examining my fingernails. The cat isn’t fooled.
Q: Does it come inside with me? EXCEPTIONAL NO
I head back towards the house, and the cat follows along after. On reaching the door. I wait for the little beast. It sits down, and begins licking its privates once more, utterly contemptuous of me.
I go inside, and tell the servants, “That annoying little orange cat outside belongs to me. Or perhaps I to it. Do not harm it.” Then I wash up for dinner.
Q: Is dinner uneventful? YES Q: Has the cat entered the hall? NO
Dinner that night is uneventful. The planned feast in honor of our victorious soldiers is postponed. Eveline serves me properly, and with no distractions or diversions.
After dinner, Bertran issues me my monthly stipend, and Eveline and I go back out into the garden with two bottles of wine. The cat is there. Eveline pours a bottle into her cup, and raises it up, “To the oblivion of drink, and a conquered curse.”
Q: Does the cat drink? EXCEPTIONAL NO
I fill my cup and raise it in answer, “To a counterspell, that gives you control of our body as well as the magic storm within you.” We clink our cups together, and drink. Then I set my cup low for the cat that is watching us. It turns its back to me, “Suit yourself, princeling. I think I’ll call it Princeling.”
“You should call it Severon,” Eveline corrects me. I bust out laughing, “Or Warran?” she grins.
-Persuasion 13-Q: Does he come now? NO
I nod in agreement “Either one would fit, but I think I’ll stick with Princeling. Come here my little Princeling!” I command with a grin. The cat continues to defy me, to Eveline’s amusement as she already pours her second cup.
“I think you’ll have to go to him! And bow most likely. Maybe catch and offer up a mouse?” Eveline teases.
I smirk at her, “I’m tempted to burn the arrogant little prick.”
“Oh, don’t do that! He’s cute. Annoyingly so,” she grins, taking another sip of her wine.
Q: Will he allow it? YES
I walk over to the cat, and gently pick him up. The cat finally relents, and snuggles up against me. After Eveline has drunk a full bottle, we return to my room with the remains of my bottle, which she is now finishing as best she can as she staggers up the stairs. “Should I? Return to the servant’s quarters?” she slurs.
I shake my head, “Drunkenness is not allowed for servants. You will stay here with me.” I instruct.
Q: Passed out? YES
She nods and giggles, “I like that idea better anyway.” Then staggers to the bed, taking another pull from the bottle as I let the cat down and begin changing for bed. Turning around I see Eveline has already passed out. I carefully strip off her outer garments and help her under the blankets without waking her. Then I lay down beside her and douse the lamp.
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